October 20, 2022
Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation (HCHF), Nantahala Health Foundation (NHF) and Dogwood Health Trust are pleased to announce a continued collaborative initiative to address the need for home repairs in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary.
Dogwood Health Trust is supporting the Healthy Homes Initiative and the work of HCHF and NHF with a $400,000 grant. The initiative is targeted to owner-occupied homes of individuals at 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), including a slate of USDA-qualified allowances. This funding assistance is intended for homeowners who are unable to afford the repairs needed to maintain the health and safety of their home’s occupants, as well as home modifications required to address physical challenges, disabilities or barriers to aging safely in their homes.
“Our partnerships with Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation and Nantahala Health Foundation are vital to our ability to help create a region where everyone can live, learn, earn and thrive, without exception,” said Dr. Susan Mims, CEO of Dogwood Health Trust. “We know that having safe and stable housing is a key driver of health outcomes. HCHF and NHF have deep relationships in their communities and are already working closely with local partners to help keep residents safely in their homes and on a path toward better health.”
HCHF and NHF have launched a new grant cycle specifically requesting proposals from non-profit, governmental and faith-based organizations that have demonstrated success in the past identifying and implementing critical home repairs and rehabilitation projects. Both Foundations’ leaders say they look forward to reviewing applications, awarding grants, and working together to address safe, equitable and affordable housing for those in need throughout their service area.
“We are grateful to collaborate with Dogwood Health Trust and Nantahala Health Foundation in this very important initiative” says Robin Tindall, CEO and Executive Director of HCHF. “The need for this important initiative is eye-opening and too often goes unnoticed. Good health starts at home, and we are excited to continue to work with many of our local no-profit partners to improve the health and well-being for those who struggle with the costs to make the necessary repairs to their homes.”
“Our region’s low-income individuals and families with children, our senior population and those with physical challenges have enough to think about every day without the added burden and expense of home repairs to ensure their health and safety,” said Nantahala Health Foundation Executive Director Lori Bailey. “In partnership with non-profit home-repair specialists and with this generous support from Dogwood Health Trust, we can safeguard home ownership and preserve our region’s existing housing stock, both of which are essential components of our mission to improve health and wellbeing for all who call Western North Carolina home.”
Grant applications will be accepted through November 14, 2022. Information regarding the grant application process can be found on both HCHF and NHF’s websites.
About Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation
The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation was established on February 1, 2019, as a 501(c)3 public charity to improve the health and well-being of Highlands, Cashiers and surrounding communities. Together with generous donors, the Foundation aims to make positive and lasting change by supporting projects and programs that improve health and well-being in the communities we serve. To date the Foundation has awarded more than 90 grants totaling more than $9 million in grant commitments. Visit www.HCHealthFnd.org and www.facebook.com/HCHealthFnd to join us in Lifting Health and Well-Being, Together.
About Nantahala Health Foundation
Working as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, Nantahala Health Foundation seeks to partner with nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary to achieve better health and wellness outcomes for all. By working to address the upstream, root causes of health inequities and by removing barriers to positive social determinants of health, NHF’s success is seen best in partnerships with regional change-makers. Since its establishment in 2019, NHF has awarded nearly $3.1 million in support to some 156 programs throughout the region. Explore our website to learn more about how to join our Healthy Future Movement.
About Dogwood Health Trust
Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina, with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities of 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary in Western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust focuses on innovative and equitable ways to address the many factors that contribute to overall health and wellness. With a focus on housing, education, economic opportunity and access to care and health resources, Dogwood Health Trust works to create a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all, no exceptions. To learn more, please visit Dogwood Health Trust’s website.